Baldwin County, County in southwestern Alabama, United States
This administrative division covers the southwestern corner of Alabama, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico shoreline northward through forested hills and river valleys. The territory includes sandy beaches, tidal bays, and wooded countryside connected by highway routes that cross rivers and wetlands.
Organized in 1809 and named after a founding father from Georgia, this administrative territory moved its seat of government several times before residents voted to settle it permanently in 1900. The selection of the new location ended decades of rivalry among competing towns seeking to host official functions.
Coastal towns scattered across the territory carry names that reflect early Spanish and French explorers, while inland architecture shows the farming heritage of past generations. Today old wooden houses stand beside modern vacation developments, especially along the beaches where summer visitors gather from across the southeastern states.
Travelers heading to the coastal sections should expect heavier traffic on summer weekends and holidays when vacationers arrive in large numbers. Exploring the inland areas requires a vehicle, as public transport options remain limited and distances between communities can be considerable.
Early competition for hosting government offices was so intense that official records and furniture were moved by boat and wagon from town to town over several decades. During the final vote in the late 19th century, residents used creative campaigning methods to sway voters toward their location, including staging dramatic events to make their case.
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